IAN1148

Having carried out some straight forward maintenance to the upper section of the T & T steering column on my 76 vette, I'm having a problem with the telescoping feature of the column.
Have replaced the hazard flasher lever and C clip plastic retainer with new. When I now try to install the lock rod into the upper hollow shaft followed by the star screw, the rod fails to go down into the upper shaft sufficiently to allow correct tightening of the star screw.
The locking action of the star wheel seems to work but the star screw stands proud by around 3/8ths of an inch from the top of the hollow shaft.
Is the locking wedge preventing the rod from seating correctly and if so why and how do I rectify?
I'm in the UK and don't have ready access to any Corvette specialist.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

'75

Make sure the wedge is not in upside down.

77vetteluva

Exactly what 75 said. He helped me solve a very similar issue. The 'upper shaft' which is the part the rod slides into has a semi-circle wedge at the other end (similar to a key way). In that wedge is a notch that has to be towards the wheel. The rod mates to this notch inside the upper shaft. That will allow the rod to move further down.
Hope this helps!
-Rick

IAN1148

Thanks to both of you for your comments.
However I haven't removed/disturbed the lock wedge so I can't have put it in the wrong way round.
Not really sure how it works in relation to the rod but is it possible that it is sticking out for some reason and then not letting the rod "slip by" to seat correctly? And if so should I be able to push it to the side to allow the rod to pass and sit correctly.
I'm sorry if this sounds naive but the thought of disassembling the whole column fills me with dread. I've read Jim Shea's papers and without local expertise to help should I screw up, I would rather not go that route.
I note that the locking rod has a machined grove at one end about a 1/4 of an inch up from the end. I assume this end goes into the tube first.